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School‐Based Health Literacy Programs for Children (2‐16 Years): An International Review
Author(s) -
Nash Rosie,
Patterson Kira,
Flittner Anna,
Elmer Shandell,
Osborne Richard
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/josh.13054
Subject(s) - curriculum , cinahl , inclusion (mineral) , medical education , literacy , health literacy , psychology , pedagogy , medicine , nursing , psychological intervention , health care , political science , social psychology , law
BACKGROUND Health literacy impacts children's health and educational attainment. Therefore, determining the most appropriate pedagogical design is critical. The long‐term health benefits of health literacy for each child's life course further justify this imperative. School‐based health literacy programs are of interest internationally. METHODS We brainstormed the search terms and established inclusion/exclusion criteria for this systematic review. We searched 2 databases (CINAHL, ERIC) following PRISMA guidelines. Three authors screened and sorted the findings. RESULTS We identified 21 relevant studies from 629 retrieved. Few (6/21) studies were situated in the primary school setting. CONCLUSIONS This review found a variety of project designs, evaluation methods, and conceptual models. Descriptive analysis of the final 21 papers highlighted the importance of multicomponent design (whole‐of‐school and curriculum), cross‐curricula integration, professional development for teachers, age of children, role of parents, and role of community. The results of this analysis may inform primary school program design in the future. Schools provide a logical setting for health literacy development. Despite the evidence that adolescence is too late, few studies have been situated in primary schools. Teachers lack confidence to teach health and need ongoing professional development. Parent, child, and community voices are essential for sustained engagement and program success.